2018 was a packed year at Staf: we’ve secured funding for exciting new projects, expanded our team and held our first National Conference.

We want to thank our members – your support and participation has made this all possible. Here’s a quick rundown of what we’ve achieved together over the past year.

Secured over £500,000 in funding for exciting new projects on relationships, trauma and the participation of young people with experience of the criminal justice system.

Sold-out our first ever National (and international!) Conference with 200 attendees.

Sent members 8 newsletters – moving to monthly rather than quarterly distribution.

Received 1 special commendation (jointly with CYCJ Scotland) at the Howard League Community Awards for our work on responding to offending in residential childcare.

Held 3 Managers’ Forums, including one in Aberdeen for members in the North East.

Held 2 Practitioners’ Gatherings with the participation of young people.

Organised 1 Changing Minds, Changing lives event.

Facilitated 3 Care Leavers into Employment Focus Groups, 3 Implications of Continuing Care Focus Groups and 4 Supported Lodgings, Supported Carers Focus Groups.

Published 1 important report on the Implications of Continuing Care and responded to the Scottish Government consultation on increasing the age of eligibility.

Submitted 1 joint consultation response with CELCIS (Centre for Excellence for Looked After Children in Scotland) on the draft National Strategy 'A Connected Scotland: Tackling social isolation and loneliness and building stronger social connections'.

Called for £9.3 million of funding for the implementation of Continuing Care to be protected in the 2019-20 Scottish budget.

Conducted 10 interviews on relationships with care experienced young people and those who support them.

Gained 450 Twitter followers, 100 Facebook followers and set-up our new Instagram page.